Conservation Through Birding

Birdwatching is one of the most popular and fastest growing pastimes in America. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service calculates that some 47.7 million Americans watch birds, up 18% from 2001. That's approximately one in five of the adult U.S. population, and more than the number of people who play golf!

Not surprisingly, there is a vast industry associated with birdwatching; from makers and retailers of bird seed and feeders, to optics and camera companies, birding software designers, and providers of birding tours. Add to that the indirect benefits assocoiated with bird-related tourism (from airline seats to hotels and restaurants etc), and what you have is a $31 billion-per-year industry.

That commercial power can also be used for conservation good to protect birds and their habitats. ABC encourages birders to subscribe to BirdWire, ABC's news and action alert email service, so that you can be informed of pressing conservation issues and lend your support by taking action on behalf of birds. With the support of birdwatchers across the country, we can create a powerful conservation force, and help ensure that common birds remain common and that threatened birds are provided with the protection they need to thrive again.

In this section of ABC’s website, we provide a few resources for you to learn more about places to watch birds that are also important for conservation, and how to turn a passion for birdwatching into something that benefits birds.